Recording medium editing apparatus based on content supply source

ABSTRACT

An editing apparatus wherein the editing of content is controlled according to its supply source. Identification information for identifying a content supply source is recorded in a recording medium in correspondence with the content supplied from the content supply source and recorded in a recording medium. When editing of the content is requested by a user, the identification information corresponding to that content is checked. According to the content supply source identified by the identification information, the editing of the content is enabled or disabled.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/692,913, filed Oct. 20, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,907,184.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a recording medium forrecording content such as audio data and video data, an editingapparatus for editing recorded content, and a recording system forrecording content to the recording medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

In an electrically erasable non-volatile memory—called an EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM)—one bit of data is stored byusing two transistors. This two transistor configuration means thatEEPROM circuits require a relatively large integrated circuit surfacearea which limits their integration density.

To solve this memory density limitation problem, a flash memory has beendeveloped in which one bit is stored using only one transistor andwherein all bits can be erased simultaneously. The flash memory isexpected to replace such recording media as magnetic discs and opticaldiscs.

A removable flash memory card has been developed for use with variouselectronic devices. This memory card can be used in digital audio datarecording/reproducing apparatuses instead of, or in addition to,conventional disc media such as CD (Compact Disc) and MD (Mini Disc).

Audio and video data recording systems that use flash memory cardtechnology generally track recorded content using the FAT (FileAllocation Table) file system. The FAT system is a file managementsystem commonly used in personal computers for tracking and editingstored content. For example, assume a single musical composition isstored in flash memory as a single piece of audio data content. The FATsystem then allows that piece to be edited either by dividing it intotwo or more pieces or by combining it with other pieces to form a singlecombined piece. Thus, the FAT system allows users to manipulate, asdesired, content recorded on flash memory cards.

Recording systems using flash memory cards can transfer content to andfrom numerous sources using a variety of data transfer routes. Forexample, content can be copied or moved into the memory card from arecording medium like a CD, MD, or HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or bedownloaded from a content service provider through a communicationsystem such as the Internet. Likewise, content can be copied or movedinto any of these systems from the memory card. Numerous other transferroutes to and from the memory card are possible. Note that “moving”content denotes transferring the data from one memory to another so thatthe content no longer exists at the source.

The problem posed by such systems is that regardless of the contentsupply source, content recorded on a memory card can be edited withoutrestriction. This means content can be edited even when the contentprovider or the copyright holder of the content does not want theircontent to be edited. Thus, a means for disabling or restricting theability to edit content is required.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to enable or disableediting of content recorded on a memory card or another recording mediain accordance with the source of that content.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obviousand will in part be apparent from the specification and the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To attain the above-mentioned object, a recording medium according tothe invention provides a content recording area for recording contentsupplied from a content supply source and a management area in whichidentification information for identifying the content supply source canbe recorded. In other words, identification information indicating thecontent supply source is recorded on the recording medium along with therecorded content supplied from that content supply source. When a userattempts to edit the recorded content, the identification information isread and, according to the content supply source identified by theidentification information, editing is either enabled or disabled. Forexample, if the identified content supply source is an internet serversite, the ability to edit the content is disabled.

Another aspect of the invention is an editing apparatus capable ofediting content recorded in the above-mentioned content recording areaof the recording medium. The editing apparatus comprising operatingmeans by which the user specifies the editing of content recorded in thecontent recording area, decision means for determining a content supplysource by the identification information about the content for whichedit processing has been specified by the operating means, and controlmeans for enabling or disabling, according to the content supply sourcedetermined by the decision means, the content edit processing specifiedfrom the operating means.

A further aspect of the invention is a recording system according to theinvention comprising content recording means for recording contentsupplied from a content supply source to the content recording area ofthe recording medium, identification information generating means forgenerating identification information for identifying the content supplysource according to the content supply source, and identificationinformation recording means for recording the identification informationgenerated by the identification information generating means onto themanaging area of the recording medium in correspondence with the contentrecorded in the content recording area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made tothe following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a recorder practiced as one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the DSP of the recorder shown in theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the memory cardshown in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a file systemprocessing hierarchy used by the memory card shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data format used in the memory cardshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the directory structure used in the memorycard shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reproductionmanagement file used in the memory card shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ATRAC3 music datafile;

FIGS. 9A–C are diagrams showing configurations of data files used in oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a combine edit process using the data filesshown in FIGS. 9A–C;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a divide edit process using the data filesshown in FIGS. 9A–C;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of thereproduction management file shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of theadditional information area INF-S of the reproduction management fileshown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a table showing additional information key codes used in theadditional information area;

FIG. 15 is a table showing further additional information key codes usedin the additional information area;

FIG. 16 is a table showing further additional information key codes usedin the additional information area;

FIGS. 17A–E are diagrams showing specific data configurations ofadditional information for one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of a data filefor one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the details of location “A” in theattribute header of the data file shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the details of location “CC” in theattribute header of the data file shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of recording routes to amemory card;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of recording routes toa memory card;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating still another example of recordingroutes to a memory card;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the editing process for dividing a data file;and

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the editing process for combining data files.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the editing apparatus and recording systemaccording to the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings. The embodiments use a memory card based onnon-volatile memory (or flash memory) as the recording medium. As anexample of an editing apparatus, a recorder or a system based on arecorder and a personal computer capable of recording/reproducing dataon the above-mentioned memory card is used. The content data which canbe handled by the following embodiments includes digital audio, video,still pictures, text, and software programs. For purposes of thisdescription, audio (i.e., music) is used as the content data. It shouldbe noted that even when audio is being used, the invention can alsorecord/reproduce images and characters as additional data. Theembodiments will be described in the following order:

1. Configuration of the Recorder

2. Configuration of the Memory Card

3. File System

-   -   3-1. Processing structure and data structure    -   3-2. Directory structure    -   3-3. Management structure and editing scheme    -   3-4. Reproduction management file    -   3-5. Data files

4. Content Source Identification Information

5. Enabling and Disabling Editing

1. Configuration of the Recorder

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a memory card recording/reproducingapparatus (hereinafter referred to as recorder 1) capable of recordingand reproducing content, such as audio data, on a memory card. Recorder1 uses a detachable memory card as its recording medium. Recorder 1 maybe configured as a stand-alone audio device or incorporated into apersonal computer or an audio/visual device. As a stand-alone device,the recorder could be a full-size rack component or a portable unit.Further, the recorder may be integrated into an audio system along withother components such as an amplifier, a speaker, a CD player, a MDrecorder, a toner, etc . . . . When integrated the recorder may beconfigured as a memory card drive occupying a position similar to CD-ROMdrives and floppy disc drives in personal computers. The recorder mayalso be incorporated into a video camera or game machine using thememory card as a recording medium for video data and audio data.Regardless of the configuration, the recorder can be used for recordingdigital audio signals distributed through satellite-based systems,digital broadcasting, or the Internet. FIG. 1 shows a genericconfiguration of recorder 1 as a memory card recording/reproducingapparatus that can be realized in any of the above-mentionedapplications.

Recorder 1 has an audio encoder/decoder IC 10, a security IC 20, and aDSP (Digital Signal Processor) 30, each implemented using a single ICchip. A memory card 40 is detachably mounted on the recorder. The memorycard is formed by a flash memory (a nonvolatile memory), a memorycontrol block, and a security block including a DES (Data EncryptionStandard) encryption circuit, all implemented in one IC chip. From theforegoing discussion, it will be apparent that a microcomputer orequivalent may be used instead of DSP 30.

The audio encoder/decoder IC has an audio interface 11 and anencoder/decoder block 12. The encoder/decoder block efficiently encodesa digital signal so that it is written to memory card 40 and decodesdata read from memory. For high efficiency encoding improved ATRAC(Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding referred to as ATRAC3), as used forthe Mini Disc, is used. In ATRAC3, 16 bit wide audio data sampled at44.1 KHz is processed. The minimum audio data unit processed by ATRAC3is a sound unit SU. A SU is 1,024 samples of data (1,024×16 bits×2channels) compressed into several hundred bytes, covering about 23 ms ofplaying time. Audio data is compressed by ATRAC3 into about 1/10 of theoriginal data size. The signal processing of ATRAC3 minimizes thedeterioration of tone quality due to refinements in the compression anddecompression processing.

A line input selector 13 selectively supplies MD reproduction output, atuner output, or a tape reproduction output to an A/D converter 14. TheA/D converter 14 converts a selected line input signal into a digitalaudio signal (sampling frequency=44.1 KHz, 1 sample=16 bits).

A digital input selector 16 selectively supplies MD, CD, or CS(satellite digital broadcast) to a digital input receiver 17. Digitalinputs are typically transmitted through an optical cable. The output ofthe digital input receiver is supplied to a sampling rate converter 15,in which the sampling frequency of the digital input is converted to44.1 KHz.

The encoded data obtained by the encoding in encoder/decoder block 12 ofthe audio encoder/decoder IC 10 is supplied to DES encryption circuit 22through interface 21 of security IC 20. The DES encryption circuit has aFIFO 23. The DES encryption circuit is provided to protect copyrights ofthe content. Memory card 40 also incorporates a DES encryption circuit,which will be described later. DES encryption circuit 22 of recorder 1has two or more master keys and a device-unique storage key. Inaddition, the DES encryption circuit has a random number generator toshare authentication and session keys with the memory card. The DESencryption circuit can turn a key on by using the storage key.

The encrypted audio data from the DES encryption circuit is supplied toDSP (Digital Signal Processor) 30. DSP 30 communicates with memory card40 through an attached adapting mechanism (not shown), and writes theencrypted data to the flash memory. Serial communication is carried outbetween the DSP and the memory card. In order to allocate a memory sizelarge enough to control the memory card, an external SRAM (Static RandomAccess Memory) 31 is connected to the DSP.

The DSP is also connected to a terminal 32 through which content dataand control data are transferred with external devices or externalcircuit blocks (not shown). The DSP communicates with external devicesthrough interface 37, shown in FIG. 2. Interface 37 and terminal 32 arecompliant with any of the numerous communication standards; such as USB,IEEE 1394, IEC 958, serial port, and parallel port. This allows therecorder to communicate with personal computers and audio/visualequipment. If recorder 1 is incorporated in a personal computer or anaudio/visual device, interface 37 and terminal 32 are configured as aninternal bus connected to the system controller in the personal computeror the audio/visual device.

From the device or block connected to terminal 32, various data issupplied to DSP 30. For example, if the recorder is part of an audiosystem or a computer system, an external system controller forcontrolling the entire operation of the audio system or the computersystem provides record and playback commands generated according to useroperations. Additional information data, such as image information andtext information, are also supplied to the DSP through the terminal.

In addition, DSP 30 can supply additional information data and controlsignals read from memory card 40 to the system controller.

FIG. 1 also shows an operation block 39 having various controls withwhich a user carries out desired operations and a display block 33 onwhich various pieces of information are displayed to the user. Theseblocks are required when the recorder is configured as a stand-aloneunit. If the recorder is incorporated in a personal computer, operationblock 39 and display block 33 need not be directly connected to the DSP.Namely, in the stand-alone configuration, the DSP processes inputs fromthe operation block and controls the display block. In the incorporatedconfiguration, the system controller of the host device executes thesecontrol operations, supplying operational information to the DSP andreceiving information indicative of the contents to be displayed fromthe DSP, as required.

The encrypted audio data, as content read by the DSP 30 from memory card40, is decrypted by security IC 20 and the decrypted audio data is thenATRAC3-decoded by audio encoder/decoder IC 10. The decoded output of theaudio encoder/decoder IC is supplied to D/A converter 18 to be convertedinto an analog audio signal. The analog audio signal is output to a lineoutput terminal 19. The line output is transmitted to an amplifier (notshown), to be reproduced through a speaker or headphone.

It should be noted that a muting signal can be supplied from an externalcontroller to the D/A converter. If the muting signal indicates thatmuting is on, the audio output from line output terminal 19 issuppressed. FIG. 1 shows line output terminal 19. It will be apparentthat a digital output terminal, a headphone terminal, etc. may also beused. The content data may also be output to an external device throughterminal 32, as described above.

FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of DSP 30. DSP 30 is made up of acore 34, a flash memory 35, an SRAM 36, an interface 37, a memory cardinterface 38, buses, and inter-bus bridges. The DSP functions like amicrocomputer, core 34 being equivalent to a CPU. The flash memorystores programs necessary for DSP processing. SRAM 36 and SRAM 31 areused as working memories necessary for various processing operations.

DSP 30 responds to an operation signal, such as a record commandreceived through interface 37 or input from operation block 39, to writepredetermined encrypted audio data and predetermined additionalinformation data to memory card 40 and control processing of this data.More specifically, DSP 30 interprets application software forrecording/reproducing audio data to control the memory card.

File management on the memory card is performed using the FAT filesystem, generally used on personal computers. In addition to this filesystem, the present embodiment also uses a reproduction management file.The reproduction management file manages the data files recorded on thememory card. The reproduction management file acts as a first filemanager handling all audio data files. The FAT acts as a second filemanagement handling all files stored in the flash memory, includingaudio data files and the reproduction management file. The reproductionmanagement file is recorded on the memory card. The FAT is written onthe flash memory before shipment from the factory, along with a rootdirectory.

In order to protect copyrights, the present embodiment encrypts theATRAC3 compressed audio data. However, the management files are notencrypted because they are not considered to be copyrighted. Moreover,only some versions of memory card 40 have encryption capabilities.Recorders that record copyrighted audio data can only use those memorycards having encryption capabilities, as in the present embodiment.

2. Configuration of the Memory Card

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of memory card 40. The memory card ismade up of control block 41 and flash memory 42 on one IC chip.

The two-way serial interface between DSP 30 and the memory card iscomposed of 10 lines. The four main lines are a clock line SCK fortransmitting a clock signal, a status line SBS, data line DIO fortransmitting data, and interrupt line INT. In addition, two ground linesGND and two supply lines VCC are arranged to supply power. Two reservedlines are undefined.

The clock line SCK transmits a clock signal synchronized with the data.The status line SBS transmits a signal indicative of the status of thememory card. The data line DIO inputs and outputs commands and encryptedaudio data The interrupt line INT transmits an interrupt signal to DSP30 in response to an interrupt request by the memory card. An interruptsignal is also generated when the memory card is loaded in the recorder.However, in the present embodiment the interrupt line INT is grounded sothe interrupt signal is transmitted over data line DIO.

A serial/parallel conversion and parallel/serial conversion interfaceblock (S/P & P/S IF block) 43 acts as an interface between the DSP andthe control block 41, that are interconnected through theabove-mentioned lines. The S/P & P/S IF block converts serial datareceived from the DSP into parallel data and supplies it to the controlblock. It also converts parallel data from the control block into serialdata and supplies it to the DSP. In addition, the S/P & P/S IF blockreceives commands and data through data line DIO and separates thereceived commands and data into those for normal access and those forencryption.

More specifically, in the format used by the data line, commands aretransmitted first, followed by the data. The S/P & P/S IF block checksthe command code to determine whether the transmitted command and dataare for normal access or for encryption. According to this code, thenormal access command is held in command register 44 and normal accessdata is held in page buffer 45 and write register 46. An errorcorrection encoding circuit 47 is associated with the write register.For data temporarily stored in the page buffer, the error correctionencoding circuit generates an error correction code.

The data output from the command register, the page buffer, the writeregister, and the error correction encoding circuit are supplied to aflash memory interface and sequencer (a memory IF sequencer) 51. Thememory IF sequencer acts as a data transfer interface between thecontrol block and the flash memory Through the memory IF sequencer, datais written to the flash memory.

For copyright protection purposes, content (the audio data compressed byATRAC3, hereafter being referred to as ATRAC3 data) to be written to theflash memory is encrypted by security IC 20 and security block 52 of thememory card. The security block has a buffer memory 53, a DES encryptioncircuit 54, and a nonvolatile memory 55. The security block has pluralauthentication keys and a storage key unique to each memory card. Thenonvolatile memory stores the keys necessary for encryption and is notaccessible from the outside. The storage key is stored in thenonvolatile memory.

In addition, security block 52 has a random number generator, allowingit to perform authentication with another recorder and to share sessionkeys. For example, authentication is carried out when the memory card isfirst loaded into the recorder. This authentication is executed by thesecurity IC and the security block of the memory card. When the recorderrecognizes the loaded memory card and the memory card recognizes therecorder, cross authentication is established. When authentication issuccessfully made, the recorder and the memory card each generate asession key. Session keys are generated every time authentication isperformed.

When content is written to the memory card, the recorder encrypts thecontent key using the session key and passes the encrypted content keyto the memory card. The memory card then decrypts the received contentkey, re-encrypts it by the storage key, and passes the re-encryptedcontent key to the recorder. The storage key is unique to each memorycard. Receiving the re-encrypted content key, the recorder executesformat processing to write the re-encrypted content key and theencrypted content to the memory card.

When reading data from flash memory 42, the read data is supplied topage buffer 45, read register 48, and error correction circuit 49through memory IF sequencer 51. The data held in the page buffer iscorrected by the error correction circuit. The error-corrected outputfrom the page buffer and the output of the read register are supplied toS/P & P/S IF block 43 and then to DSP 30 through the afore-mentionedserial interface.

When data is to be read, the content key encrypted by the storage keyand the content encrypted by a block key are read from the flash memory.Then, the content key is decrypted by the security block by use of thestorage key. The decrypted content key is encrypted by the session keyto be sent to the recorder. The recorder decrypts the content key usingthe received session key. The recorder then generates a block key usingthe decrypted content key. By means of this block key, the encryptedATRAC3 data is sequentially decrypted.

It should be noted that a configuration ROM 50 stores the versioninformation of the memory card and various attribute information.

The memory card also has a switch 60 which can be operated by the userto protect the memory from erroneous deletion. When the switch is in thedeletion disabled position, the flash memory cannot be deleted even if adeletion command comes from the recorder.

An oscillator 61 generates a clock signal to act as a timing referencefor processing by the memory card.

3. File System

3-1. Processing Structure and Data Structure

FIG. 4 shows a file system processing hierarchy for a recording mediumusing memory card 40. From the top is an application processing layer,followed by a file management processing layer, a logical addressmanagement layer, a physical address management layer, and a flashmemory access layer. Within this hierarchical structure, the filemanagement processing layer is a FAT file system. A physical address isgiven to each block of the flash memory. The relation between a blockand its physical address is fixed. Further, logical addresses can beassigned to various blocks and are handled by the file managementprocessing layer.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the physical configuration of data in flashmemory 42 of memory card 40. In the flash memory the data is comprisedof segments that are divided into a predetermined number of fixed lengthblocks, each block being further divided into a predetermined number offixed length pages. In the flash memory, data is deleted on a blockbasis and read or written on a page basis.

One block is comprised of pages 0 through m. A block is 8 or 16 KB wide.One page is 512 bytes wide. Thus, the entire flash memory can beanywhere from 4 MB (512 blocks) to 64 MB (4,096 blocks) in size.

Each page is composed of a 512-byte data part and a 16-byte redundantpart. The first three bytes of the redundant part form a 3-byteoverwrite part where block status, page status, and update status arewritten. The remaining 13 bytes of the redundant part are fixedaccording to the contents of the data part. These 13 bytes include amanagement flag (1 byte), a logical address (2 bytes), a format reservedarea (5 bytes), a discrete information ECC (2 bytes), and a data ECC (3bytes). The discrete information ECC is error correction data for themanagement flag, the logical address, and the format reservation. Thedata ECC is error correction data for the 512-byte data.

In the management flag byte, a system flag (1=user block, 0=boot block),a conversion table flag (1=invalid, 0=table block), a copy inhibitspecification (1=not prohibited, 1=prohibited), and an access permission(1=free, 0=read protected) are recorded.

The first two blocks of each segment, namely block 0 and block 1, form aboot block. Block 1 is a backup with the same data as block 0. The bootblock is the first valid block in the memory card and therefore isaccessed before all other blocks when the memory card is loaded in adevice. The remaining blocks are user blocks. The first page (Page 0) ofthe boot block stores a header, a system entry, and boot and attributeinformation. Page 1 stores data about unusable blocks. Page 2 stores CIS(Card Information Structure)/IDI (Identity Drive Information). Theheader of the boot block records a boot block ID and the number of validentries in the boot block. The system entry records the start positionof use-inhibited block data, the size thereof, the type thereof, thedata start position of CIS/IDI, the size thereof, and the type thereof.

The boot and attribute information records the type of the memory card40 (read only, readable and writable, or hybrid), a block size, a totalnumber of blocks, security compliance, and data (date of manufacture andso on) associated with the production of the card.

Flash memories are subject to deterioration of the insulating film everytime data is written; thereby limiting the number of times data can bewritten to the flash memory. Therefore, it is preferable to avoidaccessing the same storage area (block) repeatedly and concentratedly.When rewriting data, having a logical address and stored at a physicaladdress, the file system prevents data from being written to the sameblock; the file system writes updated data to an unused block.Consequently, the correlation between logical address and physicaladdress changes after each update. This processing (called swapprocessing) can prevent repeated and concentrated access to the sameblock, thereby increasing the useful life of the flash memory.

The logical address stays associated with the data, so that, the datachanges blocks during an update, the same address is seen by the FAT;ensuring proper access thereafter. Swap processing causes a change inthe correlation between logical and physical addresses, so that alogical-physical address conversion table is required. Looking at thisconversion table identifies the physical address corresponding to thelogical address specified by the FAT, thereby enabling access to theblock indicated by the identified physical block.

The logical-physical address conversion table is stored by DSP 30 intoSRAMs 31 and 36. If these SRAMs do not have enough space to store thetable, it can be stored in the flash memory. This table lists logicaladdresses (2 bytes each) in ascending order along with theircorresponding physical addresses. Since the maximum size of the flashmemory is 128 MB (8,192 blocks), 8,192 addresses may be represented. Inaddition, the logical-physical address conversion table is managed foreach segment, the size of the table increasing as the size of the flashmemory increases. For example, if the size of the flash memory is 8 MB(2 segments), 2 pages of each segment are used for the logical-physicaladdress conversion table.

When storing the logical-physical address conversion table into theflash memory, a predetermined bit of the management flag in theredundant part of each page indicates the block in which the table isstored.

The above-mentioned memory card is usable by the FAT system used inpersonal computers and disc storage media.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the memory card contains an IPL area, aFAT area, and a root directory area arranged on the flash memory. TheIPL area stores the address of the program loaded first into the memoryand various information about the memory. The FAT area storesinformation associated with the blocks (clusters). The FAT specifiesvalues indicative of unused blocks, a next block number, a defectiveblock, and a last block. The root directory area stores directoryentries (file attribute, update date, start cluster, and file size).

In the present embodiment, apart from the file management systemspecified by the format of the above-mentioned memory card, areproduction management file is provided for managing the tracks of amusic file and the parts constituting each track. This reproductionmanagement file is stored by the user block of the memory card into theflash memory. Consequently, if the FAT stored in the memory card isdamaged, file recovery is ensured.

The reproduction management file is created by the DSP. For example,when the recorder is powered on for the first time, it is determinedwhether the memory card is loaded. If the memory card is loaded,authentication is executed. If the memory card is found to be acompliant memory card, the boot block of the flash memory is read intothe DSP. Then, the logical-physical address conversion table is read.The read data is stored in the SRAMs. If the memory card is virgin tothe user, the FAT and the root directory are written to the flash memorybefore shipment. The reproduction management file is created when datais recorded by the user.

Specifically, when a record command is given by the user to the DSP, thereceived audio data is compressed by the encoder/decoder IC and theresultant ATRAC3 data is encrypted by the security IC. The DSP recordsthe encrypted ATRAC3 data onto the flash memory, after which the FAT andthe reproduction management file are updated.

Every time a file update operation is executed (i.e., every time therecording of audio data is started and ended,) the FAT and thereproduction management file are rewritten on the SRAMs. Then, when thememory card is detached from the recorder or when it is powered off, thelast FAT and reproduction management files are stored from the SRAMsinto the flash memory. In this case, the FAT and reproduction managementfiles may be overwritten every time the recording of audio data isstarted and ended. When the audio data has been edited, the contents ofthe reproduction management file is updated.

Further, the present embodiment also creates an additional informationfile in the flash memory. It should be noted that this additionalinformation file may be part of or separate from the reproductionmanagement file.

The additional information is given to the DSP from an externalcontroller through the bus and the bus interface 32. The DSP records thereceived additional information to the flash memory. The additionalinformation does not go through the security IC, so it is not encrypted.The additional information is written from the SRAM of the DSP to theflash memory when the memory card is detached from the recorder or whenit is powered off.

3-2. Directory Structure

FIG. 6 shows a directory structure of memory card 40. As shown, a rootdirectory is followed by a still picture directory, a moving picturedirectory, a voice directory, a control directory, and a music directory(HIFI). For exemplary purposes, the following description will describerecording/reproduction of music using the music directory.

The music directory has two types of files. One is a reproductionmanagement file PBLIST.MSF (hereafter simply referred to as PBLIST). Theother is an ATRAC3 data file A3Dnnnn.MSA (hereafter simply referred toas A3Dnnn) that stores encrypted music data.

There can be up to 400 ATRAC3 data files. Each ATRAC3 data file iscreated, then registered in the reproduction management file.

3-3. Management Structure and Editing Scheme

FIG. 7 shows the structure of the reproduction management file. Thereproduction management file has a fixed length of 16 KB and is composedof a header, a 1-byte memory card name HM1-S, a 2-byte code memory cardname NM2-S, a reproduction table TRKTBL listing a sequence in whichpieces of music are arranged, and additional information INF-S for theentire memory card.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of an ATRAC3 data file (for one piece ofmusic). The ATRAC3 data file (hereafter simply referred to as a datafile) is provided for every piece of music and composed of an attributeheader followed by the encrypted music data. The attribute header has afixed length of 16 KB add has a configuration like that of thereproduction management file.

As shown in FIG. 8, the attribute header at the beginning of the datafile is composed of a header, a 1-byte code music name NM1, a 2-bytecode music name NM2, track information TRKINF such as track keyinformation, part information PRTINF, and track additional informationINF. The header includes a total number of parts, name attribute,additional information size, and so on. In this data file, the attributeheader is followed by the ATRAC3 music data. The music data is dividedinto 16-KB blocks, each block beginning with a header. The headerincludes an initial value for decrypting the encrypted data. It shouldbe noted that encryption is performed only on the music data.

Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the relation between the music(track) and an ATRAC3 data file will be described. One track denotes onepiece of music, and is made up of one ATRAC3 data file (refer to FIG.8). The ATRAC3 data file stores audio data compressed by the ATRAC3scheme.

Data is recorded on the memory card on a cluster basis. Each cluster is16 KB. No cluster has more than a single file. The minimum unit by whichthe flash memory is erased is one block. In the case of a memory cardfor use in recording music data, a block and a cluster are synonymousand one cluster is defined as a sector.

One piece of music basically constitutes one part When a piece of musicis edited, it may constitute two or more parts. A part denotes a unit ofdata recorded in a continuous time from the beginning of recording toits end. Normally, one track constitutes one part.

The joints between parts are managed by part information PRTINF (to bedescribed later) in the attribute header of each piece of music. To bemore specific, a part size is indicated by 4-byte data called part sizePRTSIZE in the PRTINF. The first two bytes of the part size PRTSIZEindicate the total number of clusters for that part. The subsequentbytes indicate the position of a start sound unit (abbreviated as SU)and an end SU in start and end clusters.

This part description scheme eliminates the necessity for moving largeamounts data when editing music data. If music data is edited only on ablock basis, unnecessary moving of data may be avoided; however, blocksare too large to efficiently use in editing.

The SU is the minimum unit of a part and the minimum data unit used whenaudio data is compressed using ATRAC3. Each SU contains several hundredbytes of data obtained by compressing audio data (1,024×16 bits×2channels at 44.1 KHz) into 1/10 of its original size. One SU isequivalent to about 23 ms. Normally, one part is composed of as many asseveral thousand SUs. When one cluster is composed of 42 SUs, thatcluster represents about one second of music. The number of partsconstituting a track depends on the size of the additional information.The number of parts is determined by the number obtained by removing theheader, music name, and additional information data from a block, sothat the maximum number of parts (645) may be used.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show a file configuration for two pieces of musiccontinuously recorded from a CD. FIG. 9A shows a case in which one piece(data file #1) constitutes five clusters. FIG. 9C shows a case in whichtwo pieces (data file #2) constitute six clusters. Since only one filecan be stored in a cluster, data file #2 is created from the beginningof the next cluster. Consequently, if the end (the end of music 1) ofdata file #1 is located halfway into a cluster, no data is recorded inthe remaining portion of that cluster as shown in FIG. 9B. In theabove-mentioned example, each of data files #1 and #2 constitute onepart.

For data files recorded on a memory card, four types of edit processingare specified; divide, combine, erase, and move. Divide processingdivides one file in the file system into two and updates thereproduction management file. Combine processing combines two files inthe file system into one and updates the reproduction management file.Erase processing erases a track. Move processing changes the sequence ofthe tracks and the reproduction management file is updated.

It should be noted that “move” processing does not involve the movementof data. Therefore, “move” in editing is different from moving data fromone recording medium to another recording medium. As described, a “move”of data between recording media is achieved by copying the data and thendeleting it from the source recording medium.

A result of combining two files (data files #1 and #2 shown in FIGS. 9A,9B, and 9C) is shown in FIG. 10. The two data files #1 and #2 arecombined into new data file #1. New data file #1 is made up of twoparts.

FIG. 11 shows the result of dividing one piece of music (data file #1shown in FIG. 9A) midway in cluster 2. Divide processing results in datafile #1 made up of clusters 0 and 1 and a front portion of cluster 2 anddata file #2 made up of a rear portion of cluster 2 and clusters 3 and4.

As described, in the present embodiment, the part description scheme isprovided, so that the start and end positions of part 1 and the startand end positions of part 2 can be specified by SU unit. Consequently,it becomes unnecessary to move the music data of part 2 to fill thejoint resulted from the combine processing. In addition, the partdescription scheme makes it unnecessary to move the data so that thespace at the beginning of data file #2 resulted from the divideprocessing (FIG. 11) is filled.

3-4. Reproduction Management File

FIG. 12 shows the detailed data configuration of the reproductionmanagement file PBLIST. The reproduction management file PBLIST is onecluster (1 block=16 KB) in size. The first 32 bytes are a header.

The remaining portion contains a name NM1-S (256 bytes) for the entirememory card, a name NM2-S (512 bytes), a CONTENTS KEY, an MAC, anS-YMDhms, a table TRKTBL (800 bytes) for managing the sequence ofreproduction, and additional information INF-S (14,720 bytes) for theentire memory card. At the end of this file, part of the information inthe header is recorded again. The different data is located atpredetermined positions in the reproduction management file.

In the reproduction management file, the first 32 bytes represented by(0x0000) and (0x0010) are the header. Note that every 16 bytes, from thebeginning of the file, is called a slot.

“Reserved” denotes undefined data and is normally indicated by a null(0x00). The reserved data is ignored. The position of reserved data isalso write-protected. Data denoted “Option” is handled in the samemanner as reserved data. The header is arranged in the first and secondslots and contains the following data.

BLKID-TL0 (4 bytes) Meaning: block file ID. Function: a value foridentifying the beginning of the reproduction management file. Value:“TL = 0” (for example, 0x544C2D30). MCcode (2 bytes) Meaning: makercode. Function: the code for identifying the maker and the model of adevice on which recording has been made. Value: high-order 10 bits(maker code) and low-order 6 bits (model code). REVISION (4 bytes)Meaning: the number of times the reproduction management file (PBLIST)has been rewritten. Function: REVISION increments every time thereproduc- tion management file has been rewritten. Value: starts from 0and increments by one. SN1C + L (2 bytes) Meaning: the attribute of thename (1 byte) of the memory card to be written to the NM1-S area.Function: SN1C + L represents a character code and a language code to beused in one byte each. Value: character code (C) identifies charactersby a high- order byte as shown below: 00: no character code is set;handled simply as    a binary number. 01: ASCII 02: ASCII + KANA 03:modified    8859–1 81: MS-JIS 82: KS C 5601–1989 83: GB2312–    80 90:S-JIS (for Voice). Language code (L) identifies languages by low- order1 byte as per EBU Tech 3258 as shown below: 00: not set. 08: German 09:English 0A: Spanish    0F: French 15: Italian 1D: Dutch 65: Korean 69Japanese    75: Chinese If there is no data, zeros are filled. SN2C + L(2 bytes) Meaning: the attribute of the name (2 bytes) of the memorycard to be written to the NM2-S area. Function: SN2C + L represents acharacter code and a language code to be used in one byte each. Value:the same as the above-mentioned SN1C + L. SINFSIZE (2 bytes) Meaning:the size obtained by adding all additional informa- tion associated withthe entire memory card to be written to the INF-S area. Function:SINFSIZE describes a data size in a unit of 16 bytes; if there is nodata, zeros are filled. Value: the size is from 0x0001 to 0x39C (924).T-TRK (2 bytes) Meaning: total track number. Function: the number oftotal tracks. Value: 1 to 0x0190 (up to 400 tracks); if there is nodata, zeros are filled. VerNo (2 bytes) Meaning: the version number ofthe format. Function: high-order indicates major version number andlow-order indicates minor version number. Value: example 0x0100 (Ver1.0), 0x0203 (Ver 2.3)

The data that follow the above-mentioned header are as follows:

NM1-S Meaning: the name of one byte associated with the entire memorycard. Function: variable-length name data (up to 256) represented in1-byte character code. The name data always ends with a termination code(0x00). The size is counted from this termination code. If there is nodata, a null (0x00) is recorded at least 1 byte from the beginning(0x0020). Value: various character codes. NM2-S Meaning: the 2-byte nameassociated with the entire memory card. Function: the variable-lengthname data (up to 512) repre- sented in a 2-byte character code. The namedata always ends with a termination code (0x00). The size is countedfrom this termination code. If there is no data, a null (0x00) isrecorded at least 2 bytes from the beginning (0x0120). Value: variouscharacter codes. CONTENTS KEY Meaning: a value prepared for each pieceof music. This value is protected by MG (M) and then stored. The valuehere is the same as the CONTENTS KEY attached to the first piece ofmusic. Function: the key necessary for computation of MAC of S-YMDhms.Value: from 0 to 0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. MAC Meaning: the value for checkingfor tamper of copyright information. Function: the value created fromthe contents of S- YMDhms and the CONTENTS KEY. Value: from 0 to0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. TRK-nnn Meaning: SQN (sequence) number of the ATRAC3data file to be reproduced. Function: TRK-nnn describes FNo in TRKINF.Value: from 1 to 400 (0x190). If there is no data, zeros are filled.INF-S Meaning: additional information data (for example, informationabout photograph, lyrics, and description) associated with the entirememory card. Function: variable-length additional information dataaccompanying a header. Two or more different pieces of additionalinformation may be arranged, each being attached with ID and data size.Each piece of additional information data including a header is at least16 bytes in integral multiples of 4 bytes. Details of this will bedescribed later. Value: refer to the configuration of additionalinforma- tion data. S-YMDhms (4 bytes) (optional) Meaning: Year, month,day, hour, minute and second of recording made by a device having areliable clock. Function: the value for identifying the last recordingdate and time; essential for EMD. Value: bits 25 to 31: year 0 to 99(1980 to 2079) bits 21 to 24: month 0 to 12 bits 16 to 20: day 0 to 31bits 11 to 15: hour 0 to 23 bits 05 to 10: minute 0 to 59 bits 00 to 04:second 0 to 29 (in unit of 2 seconds)

In the last slot of the reproduction management file, the sameBLKID-TL0, MCode, and REVISION as those in the header are written.

As an example, in a consumer audio system, a memory card may be detachedduring recording or the system powered off inadvertently, therebyrequiring detection of abnormal conditions upon recovery of the system.As described, REVISION is written at the beginning and end of each blockand each time REVISION is written, the rewrite count is incrementedby 1. Consequently, if an abnormal condition occurs while recording ablock, the values of the beginning REVISION and end REVISION will notagree, thereby allowing for detection of the abnormal condition Thus,the two REVISIONs allows for detection of abnormal conditions. When anabnormal condition is detected, an error message is displayed.

Because fixed value BLKID-TL0 is inserted at the beginning of eachblock, this fixed value may be used as a guide for repair of a damagedFAT. Specifically, by checking the fixed value at the beginning of eachblock the type of file can be determined. In addition, because thisfixed value BLKID-TL0 is written to both the header and the end of eachblock, its reliability can be checked.

Compared with the reproduction management file, an ATRAC3 data filecontains a fairly large amount of data (e.g., sometimes several thousandconcatenated blocks). Each ATRAC3 data file has a block number BLOCKSERIAL attached. Normally, each ATRAC3 data file occupies two or moreblocks on the memory card. Therefore, unless the content is identifiedby CONNUM0 and BLOCK SERIAL, duplication can occur, thereby makingrecovery difficult upon damage to the FAT.

Likewise, in case a file develops logic errors, a maker code (MCode) isrecorded at the beginning and end of each block for identification ofthe model of the device on which the recording was made.

FIG. 13 shows the configuration of additional information data (INF-S)recorded in the reproduction management file. The additional informationstarts with a header, as shown below, followed by variable-length data.

INF Meaning: field ID. Function: a fixed value indicative of thebeginning of additional information data. Value: 0x69. ID Meaning: anadditional information key code. Function: ID indicates theclassification of additional information. Value: from 0 to 0xFF. SIZEMeaning: the size of individual additional information. Function: thedata size is free but must always be an integral multiple of 4 bytes andat least 16 bytes. If the data end with a space, it is filled with null(0x00). Value: from 16 to 14784 (0x39C0). MCode Meaning: maker code.Function: the code for identifying the maker and the model of a deviceon which recording has been made. Value: high-order 10 bits (maker code)and low-order 6 bit (model code). C + L Meaning: the attribute ofcharacters to be written in a data area starting from byte 12. Function:a character code and a language code to be used is represented in 1 byteeach. Value: same as the above-mentioned SN1C + L. DATA Meaning:individual additional information data. Function: DATA represents invariable-length data. The real data always starts from byte 12 and mustbe at least 4 bytes in length (size) and always an integral multiple of4 bytes. If the data end with a space, it is filled with null (0x00).Value: individually defined according to contents.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the correlation between additionalinformation key code values 0 to 63 and additional information types.Key code values 0 to 31 are assigned to music-associated information(character information) and key code values 32 to 63 are assigned to URL(Uniform Resource Locator) internet-associated information. Characterinformation such as album title, artist name, and CM is recorded asadditional information.

FIG. 15 shows more examples of the correlation between additionalinformation key code values (64 to 127) and additional informationtypes. Key code values 64 to 95 are assigned as paths/other informationand key code values 96 to 127 are assigned to control/numeric data. Forexample, in the case of ID 98, the additional information is TOC-ID.TOC-ID indicates a first music number, a last music number, currentmusic number, a total playback time, and a playback time of the currentmusic, as indicated by the TOC information from a CD (Compact Disc).

FIG. 16 shows still further examples of the correlation betweenadditional information key code values (128 to 159) and additionalinformation types. Key code values 128 to 159 are assigned to theinformation associated with synchronous reproduction In FIG. 16, EMDdenotes electronic music distribution.

In reference to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, and 17E, specific examples ofadditional information data will be described. FIG. 17A shows a datastructure of additional information data consistent with FIG. 13.

FIG. 17B shows an example in which the additional information is anartist's name, i.e. key code ID=3. SIZE is 0x1C (28 bytes). The datalength of this additional information including the header is 28 bytes.Within C+L, the character code C is 0x01 and the language code L is0x09. This value is an ASCII character code that indicates the languageis English according to the specification shown above. The artist namedata, “SIMON&ABCDEFGHI”, for example is written in one byte startingfrom byte 12. Since the size of additional information is specified asan integral multiple of 4 bytes, the remaining one byte is (0x00).

FIG. 17C shows an example in which the additional information is ISRC(International Standard Recording Code: copyright code), i.e. key codeID=97. SIZE is 0x14 (20 bytes), indicating that the data length of thisadditional information is 20 bytes. For C+L, C=0x00 and L=0x00,indicating that neither character nor language is set; namely, the datais binary. Then, an 8-byte ISRC code is written as the data. ISRCindicates copyright information (country, copyright holder, recordingdate, and serial number).

FIG. 17D shows an example in which the additional information is arecording date, i.e. key code ID=97. SIZE is 0x10 (16 bytes), indicatingthat the data length of this additional information is 16 bytes. ForC+L, C=0x00 and L=0×00, indicating that neither character nor languageis set. Then, a 4-byte (32 bits) code is written as the data, indicatinga recording date (year, month, day, hour, minute, second).

FIG. 17E shows an example in which the additional information is areproduction log, i.e. key code ID=107. SIZE is 0x10 (16 bytes),indicating that the data length of this additional information is 16bytes. For C+L, C=0x00 and L=0x00, indicating that neither character norlanguage is set. Then, a 4-byte (32 bits) code is written as the data,indicating a reproduction log (year, month, day, hour, minute, second).The reproduction log records 16 bytes of data every time reproduction isperformed.

3-5. Data File

FIG. 18 shows a data array for an ATRAC3 data file (A3Dnnnn) in whichone SU is N bytes (for example, N=384 bytes). FIG. 18 shows in detail adata file similar to that shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, the figureshows the start bytes (0x0000 through 0x7FF0) of the slots of the firsttwo blocks (16×2=32 K bytes).

The first 32 bytes of the attribute header are the header, followed by256 bytes for music name area NM1 (256 bytes) and 512 bytes for musicname area NM2 (512 bytes). The header of the attribute header includesthe following data.

BLKID-HD0 (4 bytes) Meaning: block file ID. Function: a value foridentifying the beginning of ATRAC3 data file. Value: fixed value = “HD= 0” (for example, 0x48442D30). MCode (2 bytes) Meaning: maker code.Function: the code for identifying the maker and the model of a deviceon which recording has been made. Value: high-order 10 bits (maker code)and low-order 6 bits (model code). BLOCK SERIAL (4 bytes) Meaning: aserial number attached to each track. Function: the first block startswith 0, subsequent blocks having serial numbers in increment of 1; thesenumbers remain unchanged after edit processing. Value: from 0 to0xFFFFFFFF. N1C + L (2 bytes) Meaning: the attribute of track (musicname) data (NM1). Function: a character code and a language code for usein NM1 are represented in 1 byte each. Value: same as SN1C + L. N2C + L(2 bytes) Meaning: the attribute of track (music name)data (NM2).Function: a character code and a language code for use in NM2 arerepresented in 1 byte each. Value: same as SN1C + L. INFSIZE (2 bytes)Meaning: a size obtained by totaling all pieces of additionalinformation associated with track. Function: INFSIZE describes a datasize in unit of 16 bytes. If there is no data, zeros are filled. Value:the size is 0x0000 to 0x3C6 (966). T-PRT (2 bytes) Meaning: the totalnumber of parts. Function: T-PRT represents the number of partsconstituting a track; normally 1. Value: from 1 to 0x285 (645 dec). T-SU(4 bytes) Meaning: the total number of SUs. Function: T-SU representsthe actual total number of SUs in one track; equivalent to a musicreproduction time. Value: from 0x01 to 0x001FFFFF. INX (2 bytes)(optional) Meaning: the relative position of INDEX. Function: thepointer indicative of the beginning of a characteristic portion ofmusic, specifying the position from the beginning of music by a valueobtained by dividing the number of SUs by 4; equivalent to a duration oftime (about 93 ms) four times as long as normal SU. Value: from 0 to0xFFFF (up to about 6084 seconds). XT (2 bytes) (optional) Meaning: thereproduction time of INDEX. Function: XT specifies the time to bereproduced from the beginning specified by INX-nnn by a value obtainedby dividing the number SUs by 4; equivalent to a duration of time (about93 ms) four times as long as a normal SU. Value: 0x0000: no setting;from 0x01 to 0xFFFE (up to 6084 seconds). 0xFFFF: up to the end ofmusic.

The following describes music name areas NM1 and NM2 in the attributeheader.

NM1 Meaning: a character string indicative of music name. Function: avariable-length music name (up to 256) represented in a 1- bytecharacter code. The name data always end with a termination code (0x00).The size is computed from this termination code. If there is no data,one or more bytes of null (0x00) are recorded at least from thebeginning (0x0020). Value: each type of character code. NM2 Meaning: acharacter string indicative of music name. Function: variable-lengthname data (up to 512) represented in 2-byte character code. The namedata always end with a termination code (0x00). The size is computedfrom this termination code. If there is no data, two or more bytes ofnull (0x00) are recorded at least from the beginning (0x0120). Value:each type of character code.

The 80-byte data starting from fixed position 0x0320 of the attributeheader is called the track information area TRKINF, which managesinformation associated with security and copy control. The followingdescribes the data in TRKINF.

CONTENTS KEY (8 bytes) Meaning: a value prepared for each piece ofmusic, which is protected by the security block of the memory card andthen stored. Function: a first key which becomes necessary for reproduc-tion of music and used for computing C-MAC[n]. Value: from 0 to0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. C-MAC[n] (8 bytes) Meaning: a value for checking fortamper of copyright information. Function: a value created from thecontents of plural TRKINFs including content accumulation number and ahidden sequence number. The hidden sequence number denotes a sequencenumber recorded in a hidden area of the memory card. Any recorder notcompliant with copyright cannot read the hidden area. A dedicatedrecorder compliant with copyright or a personal computer installed withsoftware capable of reading the memory card can access the hidden area.A (1 byte) Meaning: the attribute of a part. Function: information suchas a compression mode in a part. Value: See FIG. 19. Monaural mode (N =0, 1) is a special joint mode in which bit 7 is 1 and the sub signal is0. Only the main signal (L + R) can be specified as monaural. Normalreproducing devices may ignore the information in bits 2 and 1.

Bit 0 of A forms information of emphasis on/off. Bit 1 forms informationabout reproduction SKIP or normal reproduction. Bit 2 forms informationabout data division; for example, audio data or other data such as FAX.Bit 3 is undefined. By combining bits 4, 5 and 6, rate information isspecified as shown.

More specifically, N denotes a rate value represented in three bits,indicating recording time (in the case of a 64-MB memory card), datatransfer rate, the number of SUs in one block, and the number of bytesof one SU for five types of modes; monaural (N=0), LP (N=2), SP (N=4),EX (N=5, 6), and HQ (n=7). Bit 7 indicates the mode (0: dual, 1: joint)of ATRAC3.

The following describes the case of SP mode by use of a 64-MB memorycard. The 64-MB memory card has 3968 blocks. In the SP mode, one SU has304 bytes, so that one block has 53 SUs. One SU is equivalent to(1,024/44,100) seconds. Therefore, one block is(1,024/44,100)×53×(3,968-16)=4,863 seconds=81 minutes. The transfer rateis (44,100/1,024)×304×8=104,737 bps.

LT (1 byte) Meaning: a reproduction limit flag (bit 7 and bit 6) and asecurity version (bit 5 through bit 0). Function: LT indicates thatthere is a limitation to this track. Value: bit 7: 0 = not limited; 1 =limited. bit 6: 0 = within limit of time; 1 = out of limit of time. bit5 through bit 0: security version 0 (if security version is other than0, reproduction is inhibited). FNo (2 bytes) Meaning: a file number.Function: a track number at the first recording and this numberidentifies the position of a value for MAC computation recorded in thehidden area of the memory card. Value: from 1 to 0x190 (400). MG (D)SERIAL-nnn (16 bytes) Meaning: the serial number of a security block(the security IC 20) of the recording device. Function: a unique valuewhich is different between recording devices. Value: from 0 to0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. CONNUM (4 bytes) Meaning: a contentaccumulation number. Function: a unique value to be accumulated for eachpiece of music and managed by the security block of the recordingdevice. This number is prepared for 2 to the 32nd power, or 4.2 billionpieces of music and is used for identifying recorded music. Value: from0 to 0xFFFFFFFF. YMDhms-S (4 bytes) (optional) Meaning: the reproductionstart date for a track subject to reproduction limit. Function: the dateon which reproduction start specified by EMD is permitted. Value: sameas the notation of the above-mentioned date. YMDhms-E (4 bytes)(optional) Meaning: the reproduction end date for a track subject toreproduction limit. Function: the date on which reproduction permissionspecified by EMD is ended. Value: same as the notation of theabove-mentioned date. MT (1 byte) (optional) Meaning: the maximum numberof times reproduction is permitted. Function: the maximum number ofreproduction times specified by EMD. Value: from 1 to 0xFF; 0x00 whenthis is not used. If bit 7 of LT is 0, the value of MT is 00. CT (1byte) (optional) Meaning: the number of times reproduction is made.Function: the number of times music can be actually reproduced withinthe permitted number of reproduction times. This value is decrementedevery time reproduction is made. Value: 0x00 to 0xFF; 0x00 when this isnot used. If bit 7 of LT is 1 and the value of CT is 00, reproduction isinhibited. CC (1 byte) Meaning: COPY CONTROL. Function: copy control.Value: as shown in FIG. 20, bit 6 and bit 7 represent copy controlinformation, bit 4 and bit 5 represent copy control informationassociated with high- speed digital copy, and bit 1, bit 2, and bit 3represent a copy attribute, bit 0 being undefined. Example of CC: Bit 7:0; copy protected, 1; copy enabled. Bit 6: 0; original, 1; firstgeneration or higher. Bits 5, 4: 00; copy protected, 01; copy firstgeneration, 10; copy enabled. Bits 3, 2, 1: 001; content recorded fromoriginal source. 010; content copied from LCM. 011; content moved fromLCM. 100 or higher; undefined.

It should be noted that LCM stands for Licensed Compliant Module, whichis equivalent to the HDD in a personal computer or a consumer device.For example, in digital recording from a CD, (bits 7, 6) are 01, (bits5, 4) are 00, and (bits 3, 2, 1) are 001 or 010.

CN (1 byte) (optional) Meaning: the number of times copy is permitted inhigh- speed digital copy HSCMS (High Speed Serial Copy ManagementSystem). Function: CN extends distinction between copy once and copyfree and specifies by the number of times; CN is valid only for firstgeneration copy and decrements every time copy is made. Value: 00: copyprotected, 01 to 0xFE: number of times, 0xFF: infinite number of times.

In the attribute header in the data file, the above-mentioned trackinformation area TRKINF is followed by 24-byte data starting from 0x0370called a part information area PRTINF for part management. When onetrack is made up of plural parts, PRTINFs are arranged along the timeaxis. The following describes the data contained in PRTINF.

PRTSIZE (4 bytes) Meaning: a part size. Function: PRTSIZE indicates thesize of a part; cluster: 2 bytes (top), start SU: 1 byte (middle), endSU: 1 byte (bottom). Value: cluster: from 1 to 0x1F40 (8000), start SU:from 0 to 0xA0 (160), end SU: from 0 to 0xA0 (160) (SUs are numberedfrom 0). PRTKEY (8 bytes) Meaning: a value for encrypting a part.Function: an initial value = 0; at the time of editing, PRTKEY followsediting rules. Value: from 0 to 0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. CONNUM0 (4 bytes)Meaning: a first created content accumulation number key. Function:CONNUM0 serves as the ID for making content unique. Value: same as thecontent accumulation number initial value key.

The attribute header of an ATRAC3 data file contains additionalinformation INF as shown in FIG. 18. This information is generally thesame as the additional information INF-S (refer to FIG. 12) in thereproduction management file except that the start position is notfixed. The additional information INF starts at the position next to thelast byte portion (in units of 4 bytes) of one or more parts.

INF Meaning: the additional information data associated with tracks.Function: variable-length additional information data with header.Plural different kinds of additional information may be arranged. Eachheader is attached with ID and data size. The additional informationdata including individual headers are at least 16 bytes long andincrement in an integral multiple of 4 bytes. Value: same as additionalinformation INF-S in the reproduction management file.

The above-mentioned attribute headers are followed by the data blocks towhich the ATRAC3 data is recorded. As shown in FIG. 8, a header isattached to each block. The following describes the block data withreference to FIG. 18.

BLKID-A3D (4 bytes) Meaning: BLOCK ID FILE ID. Function: BLKID-A3Didentifies the beginning of ATRAC3 data. Value: fixed value = “A3D” (forexample, 0x41334420). MCode (2 bytes) Meaning: MAKER CODE Function:MCode identifies the maker and model of the device on which recordinghas been made. Value: high-order 10 bits (maker code); low-order 6 bits(model code). CONNUM0 (4 bytes) Meaning: a first created contentaccumulation number. Function: CONNUM0 serves as the ID for makingcontent unique and allows no value change after editing. Value: same asthe content accumulation number initial value key. BLOCK SERIAL (4bytes) Meaning: a serial number attached to each track. Function: thefirst block starts with 0, subsequent blocks having serial numbers inincrement of 1; these numbers remain unchanged after edit processing.Value: from 0 to 0xFFFFFFFF. BLOCK-SEED (8 bytes) Meaning: one key forencrypting one block. Function: the start block is a security block forthe recording device and generates random numbers. The following blocksare numbered in increment of one. If this value is lost, no sound isoutputted for about one second equivalent to one block. Therefore, thesame value is written to the header and the block end in a duplicatemanner. The value is not changed after editing. Value: initially, 8-byterandom number. INITIALIZATION VECTOR (8 bytes) Meaning: this is aninitial value necessary for encrypting and decrypting ATRAC3 data foreach block. Function: the first block starts from 0 and the next blockhas a last encrypted 8-byte value of the last SU. When starting halfwayin a divided block, the last 8 bytes immediately before the start SU areused. This value is not changed after editing. Value: from 0 to0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. SU-nnn Meaning: sound unit data. Function: dataobtained by compressing 1,024 samples. The number of bytes of the datadepends on the compression mode used. The value is not changed afterediting (for example, N = 384 bytes in SP mode). Value: ATRAC3 datavalue.

In FIG. 18, N=384, so that 42 SUs are written to one block The first twoslots (4 bytes) of each block form a header. BLKID-A3D, MCode, CONNUM0,and BLOCK SERIAL are written to the last slot (2 bytes) in a duplicatemanner. Therefore, the remaining area, M, of each block is16,384−384×42−16×3=208 bytes. As described above, the 8-byte BLOCK SEEDis written to this area M.

4. Content Source Identification Information

The following describes the content source identification informationfor example recording routes where content is recorded to the memorycard 40, with reference to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23. The content supplysource identification information is located in CC bits 1, 2, and 3 ofthe attribute header of an above-described data file (refer to FIGS. 18and 20). In each example, recorders 1A and 1B are equivalent to recorder1 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 21 through 23, a dashed linedenotes the flow of content, while a solid line denotes the flow ofidentification information.

FIG. 21 shows data routes when content, such as music data, isreproduced by a reproduction apparatus 200, such as a CD player, andtransmitted for recording in the memory card. Route 1 is formed whenrecorder 1B is connected to the reproduction apparatus. In this setup,the reproduction apparatus is connected to digital input selector 16 orline input selector 13 of the recorder (shown in FIG. 1) to supplydigital audio data or analog audio data from the reproduction apparatusto the recorder.

The data, as content supplied from the reproduction apparatus, isencoded and encrypted in recorder 1B (as described with reference toFIG. 1) to be stored in the memory card. Each piece of music, orcontent, is recorded as one data file.

For this example, because the content is reproduced from a CD, which isa reproduction-only recording medium, the DSP of the recorder 1Bgenerates “001” (as the values of bits 1, 2, and 3 of “CC”) as thecontent supply source identification information. This value is recordedin the attribute header of the data file. As the content is recorded,the control information in the data file and the reproduction managementfile is also recorded and/or updated.

Route 2, shown in FIG. 21 is formed when recorder 1A incorporated in theapparatus 100 (e.g., a personal computer or an audio/visual apparatus)is connected to the reproduction apparatus. Digital audio data or analogaudio data is then directly supplied to recorder 1A. The data suppliedfrom the reproduction apparatus is encoded and encrypted in recorder 1Afor recording in the memory card. In this case, CPU 101 generates “001”(as the value of bits 1, 2, and 3 of “CC”) as the identificationinformation of the content supply source and supplies the generatedvalue to the recorder. By using “CC” and other supplied information, therecorder records the management information in the data file and recordsand/or updates the reproduction management file.

FIG. 22 shows the data routes where content from a CD-ROM drive 103incorporated in personal computer 100 is recorded to memory card 40.Recorder 1B is in a stand-alone configuration and connects to thecomputer 100 by a USB port or another communication scheme, throughterminal 32 (shown in FIG. 1).

Route 3 is formed when content reproduced by the CD-ROM drive is firststored in HDD 201 and then is supplied from the HDD to the recorder. Thecontent supplied from the HDD is copied or moved to the memory card. Inthis case, because the data is copied or moved from the HDD, the CPU 101of the computer generates “010” or “011” for the value of bits 1, 2, and3 of “CC” for the recorder and records this value in the attributeheader of the data file.

Route 4, shown in FIG. 22, is formed when content reproduced by theCD-ROM drive 103 is supplied directly to the recorder. The contentsupplied from the CD-ROM drive is recorded to the memory card in therecorder. In this case, because the data is recorded directly from a CD,the CPU 101 generates “001” as the value of bits 1, 2, and 3 of “CC” forthe recorder and records this value to the attribute header of the datafile.

FIG. 23 shows the case in which the personal computer downloads contentprovided by a server 300 into the HDD through a general communicationline, such as ISDN, a satellite communications line, or any othertransmission path. The recorder 1B is connected to the computer throughterminal 32 (shown in FIG. 1) by USB port or another communicationscheme. The content provided by the server and stored in the HDD issupplied to the recorder. In this case, the content supplied from theHDD 102 is copied or moved to the memory card. Because the data iscopied or moved from the HDD, the CPU 101 generates “010” or “011” forthe value of bits 1, 2, and 3 of “CC” for the recorder and records thisvalue in the attribute header of the data file.

As described previously, values of “100” and higher are undefined. Itshould be noted that the examples shown in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 are onlytypical examples among various content recording routes; therefore, manyother routes are possible. In each example, the values of bits 1, 2, and3 of “CC” that provide the identification information for the contentsupply source are transmitted to the recorder from the apparatus fromwhich the content has been supplied or are generated by the DSP in therecorder.

5. Enabling and Disabling Editing

The following describes the editing process for content recorded of thememory card. Data file editing includes both the file combine and divideoperations.

These edit operations allow the user to manipulate content (e.g., music)as desired. However, from the standpoint of content providers, freemanipulation of the content supplied by them is sometimes not desired.Therefore, the present embodiment sets limits to the content combine anddivide operations that can be executed by the user.

FIG. 24 shows the processing executed by DSP 30 when the user hasperformed a data file divide operation on the recorder. When dividing adata file, the user first specifies a data file recorded on the memorycard and then specifies certain divide operations, includingspecification of a dividing point and execution of the division. Itshould be noted that the user can execute these operations fromoperating block 39 (shown in FIG. 1) or the operating block of a masterapparatus connected to terminal 32.

When a data file to be divided has been specified by the user, the DSPchecks track information area TRKINF in the attribute header of thespecified data file in step F101. Specifically, the DSP checks the CCvalues, i.e., the content supply source of this data file. If the CCvalue bits 1, 2, and 3 are not “011” or higher, namely if they are “001”or “010”, then the system goes from step F102 to F103 to divide the datafile. The data file is divided at the dividing point specified by theuser into two data files as described with reference to FIG. 11.Actually, the division is realized by updating the reproductionmanagement file and setting the attribute headers of the two divideddata files. At this point, as shown in step F104, the CC values of theattribute headers of the divided files are set the same as the CC valueof the data file before division.

On the other hand, if the CC bit values 1, 2, and 3 are “011” or higherin step F102, the system goes to step F105 to notify the user that theediting process is disabled and is therefore not executed. For suchnotification, the system issues a message, which is shown in displaydevice 33 (shown in FIG. 1) or on the display device of the apparatusconnected through terminal 32. Alternatively, the system notifies theuser in the form of an alarm sound or an alarm message.

In the present embodiment, content recorded from an original source suchas a CD or content copied from a HDD can be divided. However, contentmoved from a HDD is disabled for division.

The content moved from a HDD—namely, content of which CC bits 1, 2, and3 are “011” or higher—is what was recorded from a server or anothersource to the HDD and then moved to the memory card. From the standpointof the server and the content copyright holder, the editing of suchcontent must be limited Therefore, in the present embodiment, dividingis disabled in the case where the manipulation of content is intended tobe limited.

FIG. 25 shows the processing by the DSP to be executed when a data filecombine operation has been specified by the user. The user firstspecifies two data files recorded in the memory card to be combined andgives a command for combining the two data files.

When the two data files to be combined have been specified, the DSPchecks the track information area TRKINF in the attribute headers ofthese files in step F201. Namely, the DSP checks the content supplysource from the CC values of both data files. If the CC bits 1, 2, and 3of both data files are not “011” or higher, namely the CC bits are “001”or “001”, the system goes from step F202 to step F203 to execute thedata file combination. The combination is realized by updating themanagement information, such as updating the reproduction managementfile and setting the attribute header of the combined data file.

It should be noted that the CC value of the attribute header of thecombined data file is the same as the CC values of the two data filesbefore being combined as shown in step F204. On the other hand, if theCC bits 1, 2, and 3 of any of the two data files are “011” or higher,the system goes to step F205 and notifies the user that the editingprocess is disabled and does not execute the combine process. The systemnotifies the user thereof in the same manner as in the above-mentioneddivide processing.

In the present embodiment, the processing shown in FIG. 25 enables thecombine process for content recorded from an original source such as aCD or content copied from a HDD, but disables the combine process forcontent moved from a HDD.

The examples of the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention areillustratively only. Various other system configurations, recorderconfigurations, and processing schemes are possible. For example, in theabove examples, the edit processing is enabled when CC=“001” and “010”.It will be apparent to those skilled in the art the edit processing mayalso be enabled when CC=“011”.

As also described above, values of CC=“100” or higher may be specifiedfor indicating future content providers. In the present invention,various permission/prohibition conditions may be set according to thetypes of content providers. For example, for content supplied through atransmission path, CC can be set to “100” or the edit process may bedisabled only when CC=“100”.

In the above examples, description has been made by assuming the contentis audio data. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that thepresent invention is also applicable to video data and text data, etc. .. .

As described and according to the invention, identification informationindicative of a content supply source is recorded on a recording mediumin correspondence with the recorded content supplied from that source.When editing of the recorded content is requested by the user, theidentification information of the content to be edited is checked andthe content editing is enabled or disabled according to the contentsupply source identified by the identification information.Consequently, the present invention can control the permission andinhibition of content editing according to content supply sources,thereby providing appropriate control of permission and inhibition ofcontent editing in accordance with various content supply sources.

For example, if the content supply source is found to be a serverconnected through a communication line, the execution of content editingis disabled, thereby providing a practical advantage of respecting theintentions of content servers and content copyright holders. At the sametime, if reproduction-only disc media, which are enabled for editing,are the content supply sources, users are allowed to edit contentsupplied from these media.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed using specific terms, such description is for illustrativepurposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variationsmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A data storage apparatus for storing data in a storage medium havinga data area, comprising: data storing means for storing data andcorresponding identification information in the data area, theidentification information identifying a source of supply for thecorresponding data stored in the data area; and control means forcontrolling reproduction of the data based on whether the identificationinformation identifies whether the source of supply for the data storedin the data area is an original source.